Tag: Epic Games Store

  • Epic Games Store VP Teases Full-Screen Steam Alternative for Xbox

    Epic Games Store VP Teases Full-Screen Steam Alternative for Xbox

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store is growing steadily but still trails behind Steam in sales and player base.
    2. There are rumors of a PC/console hybrid for the next Xbox that may support both the Epic Games Store and Steam.
    3. Epic Games is in discussions with Microsoft about creating an app for the next-gen Xbox hardware.
    4. The current Epic Games Store app is designed for desktops and laptops, requiring enhancements for console use.
    5. Future updates to the Epic Games Store may include a new launcher and social features, with testing expected by mid-2024.

    While the Epic Games Store still trails behind Steam, it is steadily increasing its sales and drawing in new players. A key strategy for the marketplace to grow further involves enhancing the app for additional devices. In an interview with Windows Central, VP and GM Steve Allison talked about possible plans concerning the upcoming Xbox console.

    Potential for PC/Console Hybrid

    Microsoft has yet to confirm if its next console will include support for the Epic Games Store or Steam. However, there are rumors suggesting a PC/console hybrid that would depend on Windows. This would allow gamers to access various marketplaces, similar to the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. In June 2025, Xbox President Sarah Bond mentioned that games wouldn’t be “tied to a single store.”

    Discussions with Microsoft

    In the interview, Allison shared that the company has been in talks with Microsoft:

    “If they do indeed go ahead with letting Steam and the Epic Games Store on the next-gen Xbox hardware, we will definitely be there. I’m quite sure that will mean we need to create an app that works there.”

    At present, the marketplace is mainly tailored for desktops and laptops. Gamers who prefer to play from the couch often use Steam’s Big Picture Mode. On the other hand, the Xbox Full Screen Experience aims to make navigating menus with controllers easier. For Epic to be a viable choice on the new Xbox console, it would have to offer a similar function.

    Future Developments

    Sadly, the updated interface is still just a concept for now. Nevertheless, it’s probable that fans will see this feature rolled out in the future. Referring to the ROG Ally, Allison mentioned, “We definitely need to develop for it, but it probably won’t happen this year. Maybe next year.”

    The Epic Games Store is set to undergo more than mere adjustments before the arrival of the new Microsoft and AMD hardware. By May or June, gamers could get a chance to test a new launcher with restructured code. Developers are working on reducing the background resources the software uses. New social features might also emerge, aiming to compete with the more community-focused Steam.

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  • Epic Games Store Boosts Performance and Adds Steam-Like Features

    Epic Games Store Boosts Performance and Adds Steam-Like Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store reached 78 million monthly active users in 2025, spending over $400 million on third-party games.
    2. Users dedicated 2.78 billion hours to playing third-party games, aided by weekly free game offerings.
    3. The Epic Games Store still trails behind Steam in revenue, player count, and software quality.
    4. Epic Games plans to improve the store’s performance, including faster response times and better stability.
    5. New features will include customizable profiles, voice chat across games, and cross-platform purchases for compatible games.

    In 2025, the Epic Games Store set multiple records for itself, achieving a remarkable 78 million monthly active users last year. These users spent over $400 million on third-party games, excluding Fortnite. In total, customers dedicated 2.78 billion hours to playing third-party games, with a significant portion likely due to the free games offered weekly.

    Epic’s Standing Compared to Steam

    While the Epic Games Store has seen impressive numbers, it still lags behind Steam in several areas, including revenue, active player count, and software quality. The Epic Games Store tends to use more system resources than Steam, is slower to respond to mouse clicks, and is missing several handy features. However, changes are on the horizon, as Epic Games has announced plans to revamp much of the Epic Games Store’s code. Starting this summer, users can expect improved response times, reduced loading times, and better overall stability.

    New Features and Enhancements

    Moreover, Epic Games aims to implement many of the community features that Steam offers, allowing players to build a more personalized profile complete with avatars. Players will also be able to chat with friends through voice chat, which won’t be limited to specific games, making it functional even when not everyone is playing the same game. To facilitate this, Epic Games will be rolling out friend groups in the second quarter of 2026. Additionally, games that can be played on both smartphones and PCs will be purchasable once, granting access to both platforms in the future.

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  • Epic Games Store Reveals New Free Game Giveaway for January 2026

    Epic Games Store Reveals New Free Game Giveaway for January 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store is currently offering free games for PC and mobile players.
    2. The current free PC game is a chaotic top-down sandbox experience similar to Grand Theft Auto.
    3. Upcoming free game for PC next week is “Definitely Not Fried Chicken,” a business management simulator.
    4. The current free games will be available until next Thursday, January 29, at 16:00 UTC.
    5. “Definitely Not Fried Chicken” has faced bugs, leading to mixed reviews on Steam, with no further updates planned.

    The Epic Games Store has launched a fresh series of game giveaways. For PC players, it’s offering a top-down sandbox experience filled with chaotic gameplay reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto. Meanwhile, mobile users can enjoy an intriguing 3D puzzle game available on Android and iOS.

    Upcoming Free Games

    In addition to these current giveaways, Epic Games has shared some hints about next week’s offerings. It’s important to remember that the free games provided this week will be available until next Thursday. This means that the new game announced by Epic will be available starting at 16:00 UTC on January 29.

    Next Week’s Free Offer

    For the upcoming week, the Epic Games Store has confirmed that Definitely Not Fried Chicken will be the next free title for PC users. However, it’s worth noting that the mobile games are usually kept under wraps until their launch. Definitely Not Fried Chicken is a business management simulator designed for single-player, and it initially garnered Mostly Positive reviews on Steam.

    Unfortunately, Dope Games and Silver Lining Interactive have disclosed that there will be no further updates for this game. Players have been facing numerous bugs, leading to Steam reviews falling to a Mixed rating. For further insights, check out the videos provided above and below, as well as the store listing on Epic Games.

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  • Blood West Sales Surge 200% on Steam After Epic Games Store Trolls

    Blood West Sales Surge 200% on Steam After Epic Games Store Trolls

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Epic Games Store’s free promotion of Blood West led to a significant sales increase on Steam, with a 200% surge noted by New Blood Interactive’s CEO Dave Oshry.
    2. The timing of the sales peak on Steam occurred several days after the free promotion, raising questions about the promotion’s immediate impact.
    3. Oshry described the Epic Games Store as a “Marketing Black Hole,” but acknowledged that offering games for free can effectively advertise on Steam.
    4. Steam’s community features, including forums, ratings, and workshops, play a crucial role in user engagement and game performance compared to the Epic Games Store.
    5. Blood West’s holiday sale, pricing it at $9.99 from $24.99, attracted players looking for deals and convenience, contributing to its sales success on Steam.

    The Epic Games Store offered a range of free games this holiday season, featuring the ghostly stealth shooter Blood West. However, this promotion seems to have boosted the competing Steam platform instead. Dave Oshry, the new CEO of New Blood Interactive, took to social media to explain how Blood West experienced a notable surge in sales.

    Sales Surge on Steam

    Oshry posted a graph indicating that players on Steam rushed to buy Blood West, even though it was available for free on the Epic Games Launcher. Users on the ResetEra forum pointed out that the timing of the promotion wasn’t entirely clear. The game was free for 24 hours, starting December 20, yet the sales peak on the graph appeared several days later. Still, Oshry is convinced that the roughly 200% increase in sales was not just a fluke.

    Marketing Insights

    The co-founder of New Blood Interactive expressed, “I always thought EGS was a Marketing Black Hole, but it turns out offering your game for free on Epic is excellent advertising for Steam sales!” He further mentioned that the developers received some form of payment from the store for this promotion.

    The marketplace, which has the approval of Tim Sweeney, has shown considerable growth, largely thanks to an ongoing supply of free games. Regardless, Steam keeps breaking its own records, recently surpassing 42 million users. Fans often cite the community-centric features as key factors in Valve’s dominance.

    Community Engagement

    Steam provides game-specific forums where players usually go first to express their thoughts or ask for support. Additionally, its well-liked rating and review system can greatly impact how a new game performs. Workshops also enhance content creation, keeping gameplay exciting. In contrast, the Epic Games Store lacks many of these features, making it harder to keep users engaged.

    Trying out a distinctive shooter like Blood West without spending any money can be alluring. However, many gamers soon gravitated back to their preferred platform and a central collection of beloved games. Blood West also had a holiday sale, reducing its price from $24.99 to $9.99, which made it more attractive to players looking for convenience.

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  • Epic Games Store Reveals New Free Game of the Week Plans

    Epic Games Store Reveals New Free Game of the Week Plans

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store is offering free game giveaways for PC players from January 15 to January 21, 2024, at 16:00 UTC.
    2. The PC giveaway will feature the game Rustler, known as Grand Theft Horse, which will be available for free for the first time.
    3. Rustler is an action game that combines classic Grand Theft Auto mechanics with a medieval setting.
    4. Steam reviews for Rustler are mostly positive, while critic reviews highlight issues with pacing and storytelling.
    5. Epic Games has plans for mobile user giveaways that may extend beyond the scheduled time.

    Epic Games Store has launched new giveaways for PC players. In addition, the platform has planned something unique for mobile users. Instead of just two announcements today, the company has also shared some of its intentions for the upcoming week.

    Giveaway Timeline

    The giveaways that began on January 15 will continue into next week. All items can be claimed for free until January 21 at 16:00 UTC. It’s worth noting that Epic Games’ mobile giveaways often extend a little past the scheduled time before they refresh. On the other hand, the two games from the Styx series offered for PC users will quickly be swapped out for Rustler (curr. $17.50 on Amazon).

    Game Overview

    Known as Grand Theft Horse by its creators, Rustler is an action game played from a top-down perspective, which adapts classic Grand Theft Auto mechanics into a medieval world. The game is usually priced at $24.99, but sales often see it drop below $5, with prices sometimes as low as $3.74. However, next week’s giveaway marks the first occasion Rustler will be available for free.

    Reception and Feedback

    Steam reviews for the game range from Mostly Positive to Very Positive, primarily due to its humor and light-heartedness. In contrast, critic reviews are more mixed, often pointing out issues with pacing and storytelling as shortcomings for Rustler. For further information, check out the videos above and below, in addition to Epic Games’ store page for more specifics.

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  • Epic Games Store Hints at Free Mystery Games for 2026

    Epic Games Store Hints at Free Mystery Games for 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store will conclude its mystery game giveaway series on January 01, 2026, with two new free games.
    2. The first game’s hint suggests it may relate to themes of departure and victory, with speculation pointing to titles like Hunt Showdown or Phasmophobia.
    3. The second game’s hint indicates a strategy genre, with potential candidates including Total War: Three Kingdoms, Crusader Kings III, or Dragon Age: Inquisition.
    4. The reveal of the free games is scheduled for January 01, 2026, at UTC 16:00.
    5. Players can join discussions on r/EpicGamesPC Discord to share insights and guesses about the upcoming games.

    Epic Games Store has closed out 2025 with a popular free multiplayer game, and on January 01, 2026, they will be offering two more freebies. This will mark the end of their mystery game giveaway series, and hints from a staff member suggest that these games might be quite appealing.

    First Game Hint

    The clue for the first game reads, “Victory requires everyone to leave; but is claimed only by those who decide when, how, or even if that departure happens.” This hint could apply to many games, as several match the description in one way or another.

    According to speculation on r/EpicGamesPC, the initial free game might be Hunt Showdown. It’s currently not listed on the Epic Games Store, which boosts the chances of it being offered. Another possibility is Phasmophobia, a co-op game that also aligns with the hint. Regardless of the final choice, it seems likely that the game will be an extraction shooter or something similar.

    Second Game Hint

    The second clue states, “Three rise from a fallen kingdom; victory belongs not to the last army standing, but to the one who turns fractures into a single mandate.” Like the first, this hint points to a variety of games, but the most likely candidates are Total War: Three Kingdoms (currently $11.99 on Humble Bundle) and Crusader Kings III. There’s also a chance it could be Dragon Age: Inquisition.

    Even if these titles aren’t the second free game, the clue suggests it will belong to the strategy genre. Luckily, we won’t have to wait long for the reveal, as it’s scheduled for January 01, 2026, at UTC 16:00. Until then, players can still claim the final giveaway for 2025.

    Community Buzz

    Don’t forget to check out the discussions on r/EpicGamesPC Discord for more insights and guesses about the upcoming games!

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  • Epic Games Store Teases Final Free Game of 2025

    Epic Games Store Teases Final Free Game of 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store is offering a free game on December 31, 2025, with hints shared by a company official.
    2. The teaser suggests the game has been offered before and contains multiple layers of meaning.
    3. Previous December 31 giveaways have set a precedent, indicating the next game could be an AA or high-end indie title, or even an AAA title.
    4. Speculation surrounds potential titles, with ARK: Survival Ascend and Death Loop as leading candidates based on past giveaways.
    5. The reveal for the free game will occur on December 31, 2025, at UTC 16:00, coinciding with the end of the current free game.

    Epic Games Store is currently offering the second-to-last free game for the year 2025, and fans have managed to decode hints about it. Similar to the last time, an official from the company shared a puzzling teaser for the giveaway on December 31, which is not very straightforward.

    Cryptic Hints

    The first part of the teaser states, “we did this in the past,” indicating that the upcoming free game will be one that has been offered before. The second part, however, adds, “the clue has layers,” making it more puzzling. It’s important to note that it’s less likely for the store to give away a previously offered game on December 31.

    Previous Free Games

    Examining the past free games on December 31 from the Epic Games Store can help a bit. Here are some titles that have been given away in previous years:

    While it may appear there’s no clear pattern, there actually is one, suggesting that the next game could be an AA or a high-end indie title. Given that it’s the last giveaway of the year, there’s also a chance that Epic Games Store could surprise us with an AAA title.

    Possible Titles

    Returning to the hints from the Epic Games Store staff, many believe the game being hinted at is ARK: Survival Ascend, which fits both clues. The store has previously given away ARK: Survival Evolved, and just like its predecessor, Survival Ascend has a lot of content to explore.

    On the other hand, some fans are speculating that it could be Death Loop, which also makes sense. Epic Games Store has previously given this title away, and it also has layers in its overall design. No matter what the final game is, the reveal is coming soon. It’s scheduled for December 31, 2025, at UTC 16:00, which is when the current free game will also come to an end.

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  • Epic Games Store Reveals Exciting 2025 Platformer Game Bundle

    Epic Games Store Reveals Exciting 2025 Platformer Game Bundle

    Key Takeaways

    1. Free Game Offer: The Epic Games Store is giving away the Trine: Classic Collection until December 31, 2025, at 16:00 UTC.

    2. Included Titles: The Classic Collection features four games: Trine: Enhanced Edition, Trine 2: Complete Story, Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power, and Trine 4: Definitive Edition.

    3. Gameplay Options: Players can enjoy single-player or three-player co-op play, with praised hand-drawn graphics and user-friendly controls.

    4. Mixed Reviews: While the collection has strong ratings, Trine 3 has received criticism for awkward controls and frustrating transitions.

    5. Positive Feedback: The majority of the collection’s games have over 90% positive reviews on Steam, indicating overall player satisfaction.

    The second-to-last free game for the year 2025 is now available, and as Epic Games Store has hinted, it’s indeed Trine, but the specific title within the series wasn’t fully disclosed. The store has now made it clear that it’s the Classic Collection.

    Limited Time Offer

    As with previous giveaways, this offer will be up for a very short duration. Specifically, it will be accessible until December 31, 2025, ending at UTC 16:00.

    What’s Included

    For those eager to dive deeper, the Classic Collection includes four Trine games, all of which are well-received titles from the beloved series. Specifically, it features Trine: Enhanced Edition, Trine 2: Complete Story, Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power, and Trine 4: Definitive Edition. All of these fall under the puzzle platforming genre and provide enjoyable gameplay with three distinct heroes.

    Gameplay Features

    An exciting aspect of the games in this Epic Games Store giveaway is that they support both single-player and three-player co-op play. The hand-drawn graphics are highly praised by players who have experienced the collection, and the intricate nature of the worlds adds to its appeal.

    Considering that this bundle contains four free games, it delivers a significant amount of content, and the controls are reported to be user-friendly, with all four games featuring adequate controller support (Manba One curr. $55.99 on Amazon).

    Critiques and Concerns

    On the downside, Trine 3 is often seen as a somewhat annoying entry in the series, with players noting awkward controls and frustrating 3D transitions. The earlier titles in the collection can be less captivating than their successors, featuring repetitive enemies and limited combat options.

    Nevertheless, the three free games in this collection, excluding the third installment, boast impressive overall ratings, with more than 90% positive feedback on Steam. For more details about this 14th intriguing Epic Games Store giveaway, check out the video linked below.

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  • Epic Games Store Hints at December 30 Free Game Surprise

    Epic Games Store Hints at December 30 Free Game Surprise

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store is currently offering a highly-rated puzzle platformer for free until December 30, 2025, at UTC 16:00.
    2. Previous holiday giveaways on December 30 have included notable titles, but not all were the second-to-last free game of their respective years.
    3. In 2022, Epic Games Store offered two free games at the end of the holiday event, making it hard to establish a consistent pattern.
    4. A hint suggests that the next free game may be from Finnish studio Frozenbyte, potentially related to the game “Trine” or “Trinity Fusion.”
    5. The hint includes references to the game’s themes, indicating characters like a Wizard, Knight, and Thief, which align with the Trine series.

    Epic Games Store is currently providing a highly-rated puzzle platformer for free, which will be available until December 30, 2025, at UTC 16:00. This marks the time when the next-to-last giveaway for this year will be announced. Ahead of this reveal, a staff member has shared an intriguing hint.

    Previous Offers

    Before we get into the hint regarding the next free game, let’s take a moment to look at what Epic Games Store has given away on December 30 in previous years:

    While all the games mentioned were indeed offered on December 30 of their respective years, it’s important to note that not every one of them was the second-to-last free game of those years. For instance, the Tomb Raider Trilogy was actually the last free game given away by Epic Games Store during the 2021 holiday season.

    Patterns and Insights

    In 2022, Epic Games Store concluded the holiday giveaway event by offering two free games. Thus, these two occurrences don’t really help in establishing a pattern. However, the other 14 mystery free games from past years do fit the criteria, and a closer examination suggests that a significant title, either an AAA or AA game, might be available on December 30, 2025.

    That said, it’s important to mention that there haven’t been many games that have been repeated during this special Christmas giveaway event. Additionally, Epic Games Store has recently featured well-rated titles as mystery freebies, and the hint from an official staff member leans toward indie games.

    The Cryptic Hint

    The hint provided begins with “The creators come from a land of lakes and winter silence,” likely referring to Finland, with “the creators” suggesting the Finnish studio Frozenbyte. The next line, “They chose a word older than their language for their game,” probably indicates a word from Latin or Old English.

    The final line, “Three voices bind what one body cannot,” seems to hint at the main characters of the upcoming free game, likely including a Wizard, Knight, and Thief. If this is accurate, the giveaway on December 30 could potentially be Trine. Of course, there’s also the possibility of it being Trinity Fusion, and we’ll have to wait until UTC 16:00 to find out.

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  • Predictions for Epic Games Store Free Indie Game on December 29

    Predictions for Epic Games Store Free Indie Game on December 29

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 12th mystery free game for Christmas 2025 is a well-reviewed indie game, continuing the trend of indie giveaways.
    2. Historical patterns suggest the 13th mystery free game will likely be an indie or AA title, as previous giveaways have favored these categories.
    3. Past free games on December 29 have received positive ratings, but there has been no repetition of games in this year’s offerings.
    4. Strong contenders for the next free game include 20XX and The Long Dark, both indie titles that aren’t on sale.
    5. The current 12th mystery free game, SKALD: Against the Black Priory, is available until December 29, 2025, at 16:00 UTC.

    The 12th mystery free game for the Christmas season of 2025 is, as some had anticipated, a well-reviewed indie game. This also marks the third indie giveaway in a row. While this might suggest that Epic Games Store could change the trend for December 29, historical patterns indicate otherwise.

    Past Free Games

    In recent years, Epic Games Store has offered the following as the 13th mystery free game: Among these, three were indie titles, two could be classified as AA, and only one was a AAA game. This points towards the likelihood that the next giveaway will be either an indie or AA game. Another interesting observation is that none of the past giveaways have heavily focused on narrative storylines or open-world gameplay.

    Quality of Previous Giveaways

    The bright side is that all the previous freebies from the Epic Games Store on December 29 have received positive ratings. However, unlike last year’s Christmas season giveaways, there has been a noticeable lack of repeat games in this year’s offerings, hinting that the next free game might actually be a game that has already been given away before.

    Strong Candidates for the Next Free Game

    Considering all of this, 20XX stands out as a strong contender for the 13th mystery free game. It was offered by Epic Games Store two years ago, is an indie game, and has a solid player rating. Additionally, the game isn’t on sale, which boosts its chances of being the forthcoming free title.

    Another strong option for the upcoming giveaway is The Long Dark. It meets all the criteria and is also not on sale. Other potential titles that might be included as the free game on December 29 are Arcade Paradise, ScourgeBringer, and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous.

    For anyone who hasn’t yet claimed the 12th mystery free game, SKALD: Against the Black Priory, it will be accessible on the Epic Games Store until December 29, 2025, at 16:00 UTC. After that time, the 13th free game will be officially announced.

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